In the year ended December 2012, there was a record 29.8 million crossings through Australia's international borders (original series). This represents 1,312 crossings per 1,000 persons of the Australian population. Ten years ago (2002), there were 17.2 million border crossings, representing 874 crossings per 1,000 persons of the Australian population. The majority of movements in 2012 were short-term (96%). Short-term movements have a duration of stay in Australia or absence from Australia of less than one year.

About half of the total movements in 2012 were arrivals to Australia (15.0 million). They were comprised of 8.1 million Australian residents returning after a short-term absence from Australia, 6.1 million visitors arriving for a short-term stay, and 669,600 permanent and long-term arrivals.

Another half of the total movements in 2012 were departures from Australia (14.8 million). They were comprised of 8.2 million Australian residents departing short-term, 6.2 million visitors departing Australia after a short-term stay, and 372,200 permanent and long-term departures.

Short-term resident departures have continued to exceed short-term visitor arrivals since the year ended December 2008 when departures overtook arrivals for the first time in 22 years (see figure below). In 2008, resident departures were higher than visitor arrivals by just over 200,000 movements. In 2009, this gap was 700,000 movements and in 2011 this gap increased to 1.9 million movements. By 2012, the excess of short-term resident departures over short-term visitor arrivals reached a record high of 2.1 million movements.

SHORT-TERM VISITOR ARRIVALS AND RESIDENT DEPARTURES, Australia: Original series

A traveller may cross Australia's borders many times in a year and each movement is counted in these statistics. For more information, see the first paragraph of the 'Permanent and Long-Term Movements' section in the main features.

Short-term visitor arrivals

Trend estimates

Trend estimates provide the best approach to analyse the underlying direction of the short-term visitor arrivals series. From the end of 2006 to mid 2008, the series was relatively stable but has fluctuated since then due to a variety of events including: the Global Financial Crisis (GFC); continued economic uncertainty in Europe and the United States; outbreaks of the swine flu; the high Australian dollar; and natural disasters such as the tsunami in Japan. The highest point over the last decade was in December 2012 (534,000 movements) while the lowest point over the last decade was in March 2003 (398,200 movements).

SHORT-TERM VISITOR ARRIVALS, Australia

Seasonally adjusted estimates

Irregular impacts on the short-term visitor arrivals series are evident within the seasonally adjusted series. The above graph shows that over the ten year period ending December 2012, a number of large variations were evident for short-term visitor arrivals to Australia. Major events that have coincided with decreases in the seasonally adjusted series include the anticipation and commencement of military action in Iraq in early 2003 and the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in mid-2003. The increase in movements in July 2008 reflects the large arrivals due to the World Youth Day held in Sydney, while the decrease in mid 2009 coincides with the Global Financial Crisis.

Original estimates

In original terms, 6.1 million short-term visitors arrived in Australia in the year ended December 2012. This was 270,500 more than the number of movements recorded in the year ended December 2011 (5.9 million). Ten years ago (2002), 4.8 million short-term visitors arrived in Australia.

The following table shows, for selected years, the top ten source countries (based on 2012) for short-term visitor arrivals. For each of the years, New Zealand was the largest contributor of short-term visitor arrivals to Australia (19.5% in 2012). Of the top ten source countries, short-term visitor arrivals from China recorded the strongest growth over the period with contributions of 3.9% in 2002 and 10.2% in 2012. Japan, on the other hand, showed a steady decline from a peak of 14.8% in 2002 down to 5.8% in 2012. Within the decade, Japan has dropped from second to fifth position of source countries for short-term visitor arrivals to Australia.

SHORT-TERM VISITOR ARRIVALS, Australia - Calendar Years

2002

2007

2012

Number

Proportion

Number

Proportion

Number

Proportion

Country of residence(a)

'000

%

'000

%

'000

%

New Zealand

790.1

16.3

1 138.0

20.2

1 201.2

19.5

China

190.0

3.9

357.6

6.3

626.5

10.2

UK, CI & IOM(b)

642.7

13.3

689.0

12.2

593.8

9.7

United States of America

434.5

9.0

459.7

8.1

479.0

7.8

Japan

715.5

14.8

573.0

10.2

354.0

5.8

Singapore

286.9

5.9

263.8

4.7

343.7

5.6

Malaysia

159.0

3.3

159.4

2.8

262.6

4.3

Korea Republic of (South)

189.7

3.9

253.3

4.5

196.7

3.2

Hong Kong

150.9

3.1

147.0

2.6

176.7

2.9

India

45.0

0.9

95.2

1.7

159.3

2.6

All Other Countries

1 237.0

25.6

1 508.1

26.7

1 752.2

28.5

Total

4 841.2

100.0

5 644.1

100.0

6 145.6

100.0

(a) Top 10 source countries based on original estimates.

(b) United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

ORIGINAL ESTIMATES - Age and sex

The peak age group for all short-term visitor arrivals continued to be the 25-29 years age group (contributing 11.8% and 11.0% respectively). More recently, the age distribution of visitors arriving has been older, with the proportion of travellers within the 50-69 years age group increasing from 24.8% in 2002 to 28.5% in 2012. Conversely, the proportion travelling in the 25-49 years age group decreased from 48.9% in 2002 to 44.9% in 2012. The median age of all short-term visitor arrivals increased from 37.6 years in 2002 to 39.7 years in 2012.

SHORT-TERM VISITOR ARRIVALS, Australia - Calendar Years

2002

2007

2012

Number

Proportion

Number

Proportion

Number

Proportion

Age group (years)

'000

%

'000

%

'000

%

0-4

94.8

2.0

117.6

2.1

133.0

2.2

5-9

118.3

2.4

140.2

2.5

139.3

2.3

10-14

164.9

3.4

189.7

3.4

180.2

2.9

15-19

271.3

5.6

322.5

5.7

304.4

5.0

20-24

454.7

9.4

512.9

9.1

602.4

9.8

25-29

571.1

11.8

596.3

10.6

677.8

11.0

30-34

515.8

10.7

531.2

9.4

580.8

9.5

35-39

449.5

9.3

510.2

9.0

488.4

7.9

40-44

422.3

8.7

494.2

8.8

495.8

8.1

45-49

406.1

8.4

487.7

8.6

515.1

8.4

50-54

409.9

8.5

472.0

8.4

522.7

8.5

55-59

341.6

7.1

442.5

7.8

500.7

8.1

60-64

267.8

5.5

349.1

6.2

424.8

6.9

65-69

178.8

3.7

245.0

4.3

301.1

4.9

70-74

99.9

2.1

131.9

2.3

164.3

2.7

75 and over

74.5

1.5

101.1

1.8

114.9

1.9

Total

4 841.2

100.0

5 644.1

100.0

6 145.6

100.0

When examined by sex, the peak age-group was the same, 25-29 years, for both male and female short-term visitors in 2012. Over time however, males had changed from 30-34 years in 2002 to 25-29 years in 2012. In addition, over time, the contribution of the peak age group declined for males from 11.5% in 2002 to 10.4% in 2012, and for female visitors, the contribution fell from 13.0% in 2002 to 11.7% in 2012. The median ages of males and females increased to 40.3 years and 38.9 years respectively in 2012. The comparative medians were 38.7 years and 36.0 years in 2002.

SHORT-TERM VISITOR ARRIVALS, Australia - Age and Sex

More males than females arrive for short-term stays in Australia but the disparity between the numbers is decreasing since a peak of 108 males in 2003. The short-term visitor arrival sex ratio (the number of male arrivals per 100 female arrivals) was 107 males in 2002 compared with 103 males in 2012. The highest sex ratios were recorded in the 35-39 years age groups in 2002 (146 males), and the 40-44 years age group in 2012 (133 males). The lowest sex ratios were in the 20-24 years age group in 2002 (77 males), and in the 15-19 years age group in 2012 (83 males). The following graph illustrates, for short-term visitor arrivals, the sex ratios at each age group.

SHORT-TERM VISITOR ARRIVALS, Australia - Sex ratios at age

ORIGINAL ESTIMATES - Main reason for journey

In the year ended December 2012, the most frequently cited main reason for journey to Australia by short-term visitor arrivals was holiday (44%) followed by visiting friends and relatives (25%) . While the most cited main reasons for journey in the year ended December 2002 were the same, the proportions were different: holiday (50%) and visiting friends and relatives (18%). The median duration of stay for all short-term visitor arrivals was 11 days in both 2002 and 2012.

ORIGINAL ESTIMATES - State of stay

New South Wales was the intended state of stay for 37% of all short-term visitors to Australia in the year ended December 2012. The other state/territory shares were Queensland with 24%, Victoria 22%, Western Australia 11%, South Australia 3%; and Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory 1% each. The intended state of stay distribution has shown changes for specific states when compared to 2002. For example, the percent share of New South Wales has declined from 40% in 2002 to 37% in 2012. On the other hand, Victoria has increased its share from 17% in 2002 to 22% in 2012.

Short-term resident departures

Trend estimates

Trend estimates provide the best approach to analyse the underlying direction of the short-term resident departures series. The trend estimate series for short-term resident departures has shown long-term growth over the last ten years ending December 2012. From 2002 to mid 2003, the trend series, while fluctuating, changed little. From mid 2003 to June 2008, the series mainly recorded strong long-term growth until a decline caused by uncertainty during the GFC. From mid 2009 the series has shown continued strong long-term growth. The highest point in the series, over the past ten years, was in December 2012 (692,100 movements) and the lowest point was in December 2002 (288,200 movements). Breaks were recorded in the series at December 2003, October 2005, December 2006, April 2009, July 2009, February 2011 and March 2011. For further information, see paragraph 25 of the Explanatory Notes.

Seasonally adjusted estimates

The seasonally adjusted series allows for the analysis of irregular impacts on the series. During the ten years ending December 2012, the seasonally adjusted estimate has mainly recorded strong growth. From the beginning of the period through to late 2003, the series remained relatively stable, with the exception of the emergence of SARS in mid 2003. Other events that caused volatility in the seasonally adjusted series included the bombings in Bali in October 2005, the anticipation and commencement of military action in Iraq in early 2003 and the uncertainty caused by the GFC in April 2008. Strong movement in the series from late 2008 onwards coincided with the Australian Government stimulus packages of 2008 and 2009, cut price airfares and the high Australian dollar. In recent years, fluctuations to the series have remained steady.

SHORT-TERM RESIDENT DEPARTURES, Australia

Original estimates

In original terms, there was a record 8.2 million short-term resident departures in the year ending December 2012. This compared with 7.8 million in the year ended December 2011. Ten years ago (2002), there were 3.5 million residents departing Australia short-term.

The following table presents, for selected years, the top ten destination countries (based on 2012) for short-term resident departures. While the proportion decreased for New Zealand when 2002 (17.3%) and 2012 (13.4%) were compared, it remained the main destination for short-term resident departures from Australia for each of the selected periods. Conversely, the proportion for Indonesia had increased from 7.0% in 2002 to 11.1% in 2012. However in 2007, the proportion had dropped to 5.2% as travel to Indonesia was still being affected by the October 2006 Bali bombings.

SHORT-TERM RESIDENT DEPARTURES, Australia - Calendar Years

2002

2007

2012

Number

Proportion

Number

Proportion

Number

Proportion

Country of destination(a)

'000

%

'000

%

'000

%

New Zealand

597.3

17.3

902.0

16.5

1 103.3

13.4

Indonesia

241.7

7.0

282.5

5.2

911.8

11.1

United States of America

299.1

8.6

479.0

8.8

863.6

10.5

Thailand

168.9

4.9

374.5

6.9

622.3

7.6

UK, CI & IOM(b)

318.3

9.2

428.4

7.8

489.1

6.0

China

136.9

4.0

284.5

5.2

381.1

4.6

Fiji

128.3

3.7

200.4

3.7

332.5

4.0

Singapore

149.2

4.3

221.5

4.1

306.5

3.7

Malaysia

109.5

3.2

181.2

3.3

259.4

3.2

Hong Kong

140.5

4.1

206.5

3.8

229.4

2.8

All other countries

1 171.3

33.8

1 901.8

34.8

2 720.9

33.1

Total

3 461.0

100.0

5 462.3

100.0

8 219.8

100.0

(a) Top 10 destination countries based on original estimates.

(b) United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

ORIGINAL ESTIMATES - Age and Sex

The peak age group for all short-term resident departures has changed over the period, from the 45-49 years age group in 2002 to the 50-54 years age group in 2012 (10.6% and 9.4% respectively). In recent years, the age distribution of Australian residents travelling overseas has been older, with the proportion travelling in the 50-69 years age group increasing from 26.1% in 2002 to 28.9% in 2012. Conversely, the proportion travelling in the 25-49 years age group decreased from 49.9% in 2002 to 45.1% in 2012. The median age of all short-term resident departures increased from 40.2 years in 2002 to 40.7 years in 2012.

SHORT-TERM RESIDENT DEPARTURES, Australia - Calendar Years

2002

2007

2012

Number

Proportion

Number

Proportion

Number

Proportion

Age groups (years)

'000

%

'000

%

'000

%

0-4

106.1

3.1

169.6

3.1

302.7

3.7

5-9

106.6

3.1

163.0

3.0

265.2

3.2

10-14

124.5

3.6

199.0

3.6

295.8

3.6

15-19

147.5

4.3

236.7

4.3

370.4

4.5

20-24

225.2

6.5

351.8

6.4

567.1

6.9

25-29

318.4

9.2

468.0

8.6

766.9

9.3

30-34

351.2

10.1

483.1

8.8

749.0

9.1

35-39

339.2

9.8

510.8

9.4

689.8

8.4

40-44

348.9

10.1

526.9

9.6

737.9

9.0

45-49

367.7

10.6

565.0

10.3

762.0

9.3

50-54

356.7

10.3

545.2

10.0

772.3

9.4

55-59

276.3

8.0

480.8

8.8

679.2

8.3

60-64

170.6

4.9

353.4

6.5

554.5

6.7

65-69

101.6

2.9

204.5

3.7

369.8

4.5

70-74

65.6

1.9

110.4

2.0

194.4

2.4

75 and over

54.9

1.6

94.2

1.7

143.1

1.7

Total

3 461.0

100.0

5 462.3

100.0

8 219.8

100.0

For male Australian residents departing overseas for a short-term stay abroad, the peak age group changed from 40-44 years in 2002 (11.3%) to 45-49 years in 2012 (9.9%). For females the peak age group of 25-29 was younger than for males but remained constant in 2002 (10.2%) and 2012 (10.0%). The median age of males and females increased in 2012 to 41.6 years and 39.6 years respectively. In 2002 the comparative medians were 41.2 years for males and 38.7 years for females.

SHORT-TERM RESIDENT DEPARTURES, Australia - Age and Sex

The difference between the number of Australian male and female residents departing for short-term stays abroad is decreasing over time. The short-term resident departures sex ratio (the number of male departures per 100 female departures) was 121 males in 2002 compared with 111 males in 2012. The highest sex ratios were recorded in the 40-44 years age group in 2002 (158 males) and 2012 (129 males). The lowest sex ratios were in the 15-19 years age group in both 2002 (85 males) and 2012 (81 males). The age group 75 years and over has seen considerable change with the sex ratio increasing from 87 males in 2002 to 98 males in 2012. The following graph illustrates, for short-term resident departures, the sex ratios at each age group.

SHORT-TERM RESIDENT DEPARTURES, Australia - Sex ratios at age

ORIGINAL ESTIMATES - Main reason for journey

In the year ended December 2012, the most frequently cited main reason for journey from Australia by short-term resident departures was holiday (57%), followed by visiting friends and relatives (23%) and business (10%). While the most cited main reasons for journey in the year ended December 2002 were the same, the proportions were different: holiday (43%), visiting friends and relatives (25%) and business (16%). The median duration of stay for all short-term resident departures was 16 days in 2002 and 15 days in 2012.

ORIGINAL ESTIMATES - State of residence

The largest contributors to short-term travel overseas in the year ended December 2012 were the most populous states. Residents of New South Wales contributed the highest proportion of travellers (34%), followed by Victoria (25%), Queensland (17%), Western Australia (15%), South Australia (5%), the Australian Capital Territory (2%) and Tasmania and the Northern Territory (1% each). In 2002, the proportions were New South Wales (40%), Victoria (25%), Queensland (15%), Western Australia (12%), South Australia (5%), the Australian Capital Territory (2%) and Tasmania and the Northern Territory (1% each).

ORIGINAL ESTIMATES - Movement rates

In the year ended December 2012, there was considerable variation in the rate of movement for short-term resident departures (the number of movements per 1,000 state or territory population) across the states and territories. Western Australia had the highest movement rate (513 movements per 1,000 population) followed by the Australian Capital Territory (422), the Northern Territory (389), New South Wales (388), Victoria (361), Queensland (309), South Australia (222) and Tasmania (166). Overall, the Australian movement rate for short-term resident departures was 362 movements per 1,000 population.

STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The above presentation of movements in estimates does not take into account whether the change in movement is statistically significant. Care should be taken when interpreting the impact of numeric and/or percentage change. Please see the Standard Errors section of this issue for more detail.

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